2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country

Intro

If you're looking for versatility, nothing beats a good wagon. The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country is exactly that. It is spacious, stylish, and can handle most terrains.

This wagon combines the best features of a sedan and an SUV, offering a comfortable yet engaging ride, a powerful engine, and plenty of technology features. Thanks to Volvo Canada, I had the chance to review the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country for one week. Spoiler alert, it validates my affection for wagons.

Exterior

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country has a sleek and elegant design that stands out from other wagons. The unique front grille features a chrome frame and vertical bars, giving it distinctive and confident front profile. The iconic Thor's Hammer daytime running lights enhance the visibility and safety of the wagon, as well as adding a touch of Scandinavian flair.

The Cross Country also has some distinctive features that enhance its off-road capabilities, such as a raised ground clearance of 8.3 inches, which is 2.5 inches higher than the regular V60, a standard all-wheel-drive system that can distribute torque to the wheels with the most grip, a hill descent control system that can automatically maintain a steady speed on steep slopes, and a front skid plate and black wheel arch cladding that protect the body from rocks and debris.

Interior

The interior of the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country has a refined and minimalist design thanks to Volvo's Scandinavian heritage. The dashboard is dominated by a 9-inch touchscreen that controls most of the functions of the vehicle, such as navigation, audio, phone, and settings.

The front seats are covered with plush leather upholstery and have both heating and ventilating functions. The V60 Cross Country has a spacious interior thanks to its boxy design. It offers generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.

Other thoughtful features that enhance comfort and convenience include a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a massive panoramic sunroof, dedicated rear climate control, and coat hanger slots.

Infotainment

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country features an advanced Google based infotainment system that includes:

•  A 9-inch touchscreen that has a portrait orientation and supports swipe and pinch gestures
• A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized to show different driving information
• A Harman Kardon premium sound system that has 14 speakers and delivers crisp and clear sound quality
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility that can integrate your smartphone with the touchscreen and allow you to access your apps, contacts, messages, music, and more
• A Wi-Fi hotspot that can provide internet access for up to eight devices

The infotainment system of the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country is relatively easy to use and responsive. The touchscreen has large icons and menus that are intuitive to navigate, but some functions require additional entries, such as turning on the steering wheel warmer. The system also has voice recognition and natural language processing that can understand commands and questions without using specific phrases.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country is one of the safest on the road. The wagon has a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

A standard suite of driver assistance features called IntelliSafe includes:

• A forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system that can detect vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals in front of the vehicle and apply the brakes if a collision is imminent
• A lane departure warning and lane keeping assist system that can alert you if you drift out of your lane and steer you back to the center if necessary
• A blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert system that can warn you of vehicles in your blind spots or approaching from behind when you change lanes or reverse
• A adaptive cruise control and pilot assist system that can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front of you, as well as steer the vehicle within the lane markings on highways
• A park assist system that can help you park in parallel or perpendicular spaces by steering the vehicle while you control the speed and brakes
• A 360-degree camera system that can provide a bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the touchscreen

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country also has some optional features that can be added for an extra cost, such as:

• A head-up display that can project key information such as speed, navigation, and driver assistance features on the windshield
• A blind spot information system with steer assist that can not only warn you of vehicles in your blind spots, but also steer you away from them if you try to change lanes
• A cross traffic alert with brake support that can not only warn you of vehicles approaching from behind when you reverse, but also apply the brakes if a collision is likely

Driving

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country has a smooth and powerful drivetrain that can handle any road condition. The wagon features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts with confidence. There is also a standard all-wheel-drive system that improves traction and stability on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Since it is low to the ground, the V60 is responsive and agile on the road, which makes driving fun and engaging. The well-tuned suspension absorbs bumps and road imperfections while minimizing body roll in corners. The steering is precise and provides good feedback. The drivetrain also has four drive modes that can adjust the engine, transmission, steering, and suspension settings according to your preference: Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, and Off-Road.

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country is also relatively fuel efficient. The wagon is rated at 10.7 L/100km in the city and 7.6 L/100km on the highway, which is comparable to other wagons in its class.

Cargo Space and Storage

Thanks to its long chassis, the V60 has plenty of storage space to accommodate your luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. There is 657L of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 1441L of cargo space with the 60/40 split rear seats folded.

The cargo area also has other useful features such as:

• A power tailgate that can open or close with a swipe of your foot under the bumper
• A cargo cover that can protect your items from prying eyes or sunlight
• A cargo net that can secure smaller items from sliding around
• A 12-volt power outlet that can charge your devices or power your equipment
• A spare tire with changing kits under the cargo floor

In cabin storage options include:

• A regular size glove compartment
• Two large cup holders and a wireless charger in the center console
• A smaller storage bin under the front center armrest
• Deep door pockets
• Two additional cup holders in the folding armrest

Conclusion

The 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country is a great choice for Canadian drivers who want a versatile, spacious and comfortable wagon with a touch of luxury and performance. The V60 Cross Country offers a refined and elegant design, a powerful and efficient engine, a well-equipped and high-tech cabin, and a host of safety and convenience features. It also has a higher ground clearance, an all-wheel drive system, and an off-road mode that make it capable of handling different road conditions and weather challenges. The V60 Cross Country is not only a practical and reliable vehicle, but also a fun and engaging one to drive. If you are looking for a wagon that can do it all, the 2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country certainly should be on the top of your shopping list.